Mechanical exercising device

ABSTRACT

A mechanical exercising or physical therapy device for the controlled progressive stretching and exercise of the legs of persons afflicted by diseases characterized by contracture of tendons and muscles of the legs and back. The device includes a table on which the patient may lie. It is provided with a pivoted back rest which can be raised and lowered mechanically and two individual leg rests which can be raised and lowered and also swung to either side, either individually or together. Each leg rest includes a frame in which the leg is supported. At its extremity, there is a mechanism for shackling the foot. An adjustable bridge member over the knee permits application of pressure to the knee in controlled increments to force the knee down to straighten the leg and stretch the muscles. A further adjustable mechanism is provided for pivoting the foot on its ankle to stretch the heel cords.

United States Patent Ferries 1 May 9, 1972 [54] MECHANICAL EXERCISINGDEVICE Primary PP Attorney-Burd, Braddock & Bartz [72] Inventor: CharlesA. Ferries, 403 West Avenue,

South, La Crosse, Wis. 54601 57 ABSTRACT Filedi y 1970 A mechanicalexercising or physical therapy device for the controlled progressivestretching and exercise of the legs of [211 App! 40864 persons afflictedby diseases characterized by contracture of tendons and muscles of thelegs and back. The device includes 52 US. Cl. ..128/25R a table on whichthe patient y Re It is Provided with a [51] int. Cl. ..A6lh 1/02 pivotedback rest which can be raised and lowered mechani- [58] Field of Search..l28/24, 25, 33 and two individual leg rests which can be raised andlowered and also swung to either side, either individually or [56]References Cited together. Each leg rest includes a frame in which theleg is supported. At its extremity, there is a mechanism for shacklingUNITE STATES P TEN the foot. An adjustable bridge member over the kneepermits application of pressure to the knee in controlled increments to3,450,132 6/1969 Ragon et a1. ..l28/25 R force the knee down tostraighten the leg and Stretch the 3,060,926 iQ/1962 May ..128/25 Rmuscles A further adjustable mechanism is provided for pivoting the footon its ankle to stretch the heel cords.

15 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures ununinuuniimmwmn PATENTEUMAY 9l9723,661,149

sum 1 UF 5 I NVENTUR. CHARLES A. FERRIES ATTORNEYS PATENTEDMAY 9 I972SHEET 3 BF 5 I NV/ 5N! (1R. CHARLES FERRIES ATTORNEYS PATENTEDMAY 9 m2SHEET 4 OF 5 FIG. 5

' INVENTOR. CHARLES A. FERRIES .FJELB Fzci 5A ATTORNEYS PATENTEDHAY 9I972 3, 661 ,149

MI 5 0F 5 l N VENI UR. CHARLES A. FERRIES ATTORNEYS MECHANICALEXERCISING DEVICE This invention relates to a mechanical exercising orphysical therapy device for the controlled progressive stretching andexercise of the limbs, primarily the legs of persons afflicted bydiseases characterized by contracture of tendons and muscles of the legsand back. Broadly stated, the device comprises a table on which thepatient may lie. It is provided with a pivoted back rest which can beraised and lowered mechanically and two individual leg rests which canbe raised and lowered and also swung to either side, either individuallyor together. Each leg rest includes a frame in which the leg issupported. At its extremity, there is a means for shackling the foot. Anadjustable bridge member over the knee permits application of pressureto the knee in controlled increments to force the knee down tostraighten the leg and stretch the muscles. Further adjustable means areprovided for pivoting the foot on its ankle to stretch the heel cords.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a left side elevation of the exercising device shown inneutral at-rest position, with parts broken away to reveal hiddenstructure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view shown without leg braces, and partly brokenaway to reveal hidden structure;

FIG. 3 is a transverse vertical section on the line 33 of FIG. 2 and inthe direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the left movable leg brace on an enlarged scaleand shown with foot shackling means and knee press;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevation, partly in section, of the mountingmeans for the foot shackling device;

FIG. 6 is an elevation partly in section on the line 6-6 of FIG. I andin the direction of the arrows, and on an enlarged scale showingstructure of the knee press;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal fragmentary section on an enlarged scaleshowing means for mounting the leg brace and supporting frame on themovable leg rest;

FIG. 8 is a further enlarged fragmentary section showing a detail of thestructure of a sliding guide means for the leg brace, taken on the line8-8 of FIG. 4 and in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8A is a detail on a slightly smaller scale of locking means for theleg brace as an alternative to the guide means of FIG. 8 under somecircumstances;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary end elevation of the foot end of the leg brace;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a knee rest for use when exercising froma prone position; and

FIG. 11 is an end elevation of the knee rest of FIG. 10.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, themechanical exercise or physical therapy device, according to the presentinvention, includes a table or similar platform support, indicatedgenerally at 10, having four legs 11 joined by a pair of parallel upperlongitudinal side members 12, a pair of parallel upper transversehorizontal end members 13, a pair of spaced apart parallel horizontallongitudinal lower side members 14 and spaced apart parallel transversehorizontal lower end members 15. The table is rigid, strong and rugged.Desirably it is provided with casters 16 or similar means to permit itto be moved.

The top of the table 10 includes a back rest or support 17 hinged at 18to a cross bar 19.for pivotal movement in a vertical arc. The table topalso includes a pair of leg rests, right leg rest 20 and left leg rest21, each fitted into and pivotally held in a box-like housing 22 whosehead end edges are connected by a hinge 23 to cross bar 24 forindependent pivotal movement in vertical arcs. Cross bars 19 and 24 aresupported on the upper edges of side members 13 approximately midwaybetween the ends of the table and rigidly secured in abuttingside-by-side relation, as by means of bolts 25.

Back rest 17 is desirably provided with a pad 26 and a pillow or headrest 27. One end of the threaded tubular body 28 of a screw jack ispivotally connected at 29 in a bracket 30 secured to the underside ofback rest 17. As best seen in FIG. 3, one end of threaded shaft 31engages body 28 and the opposite end of threaded shaft 30 of the screwjack is engaged by the output of a right angle geared speed reductionbox 32, supported in a swivel bracket 33, which in turn is supportedfrom a cross bar 34 supported between table lower side members 14 and ontop of end member 15. The drive sprocket 35 of the gearreduction box 32carries a chain or positive belt drive 36 which engages sprocket 37carried on the same shaft as sprocket 38 which is engaged by chain orpositive belt drive 39 which engages drive sprocket 40 of electric motor41 mounted on the underside of the table between the side members.Sprockets 37 and 38 are carried for rotation on a transverse horizontalshaft 42 joumaled in pillow blocks 43 on back legs 11. By means ofoperation of motor 41, back rest 17 may be pivoted about its hinge 18through an arc of up to about I20 degrees.

The structures of right and left leg rests 20 and 21 are identicalexcept that one is the mirror image of the other. Only one will bedescribed in detail. A right angle geared speed reduction box 44 ispivotally supported for rotation about a transverse horizontal axisbetween a pair of brackets 45 supported by rigid transverse horizontalcross bar 46 mounted between top side members 12, as by means of bolts48, or the like. Speed reducer 44 is driven by motor 50 supported belowthe foot end of the table. Drive sprocket 51 of motor 50 is connected bymeans of chain drive 52 or other positive drive means to a sprocket 53carried on shaft 54 journaled in pillow blocks 55 mounted on a platform56 carried between lower side members 14. Shaft 54 also carries asprocket 57 from which chain drive 58 or other positive drive meansextends to the drive sprocket 59 of speed reducer 44.

As best seen in FIG. 1, the output of speed reducer 44 drives a threadedshaft 60 of substantial length extending longitudinally toward the headof the table. The opposite end of threaded shaft 60 engages a threadedsleeve or tube 61 to which is pivotally connected at 620m end of a leglifter arm 63. Lifter arm 63 lies in generally vertical alignment withthreaded shaft 60 extending forwardly toward the foot of the table frompivotal connection 62. The opposite end of lifter arm 63 is welded orotherwise rigidly secured to the bottom surface of housing 22 into whichthe leg rest is fitted.

It will be readily seen that, as threaded shaft 60 rotates withinthreaded sleeve 61 in one direction, movement of the sleeve along shaft60 causes the arm 63 rigidly secured to the housing 22 to be drawntoward or away from the foot end of the table to cause that housing topivot on its hinge 23 to either raise or lower the leg rest, dependingupon the direction of rotation of the threaded shaft. Either leg rest 20or 21, or both of them, may be pivoted about hinge 23 through an are upto about 120 degrees.

As seen in FIG. 2, each leg rest 20 and 21 is generally elongated andplank-like. Each extends into and is mounted for pivotal rotationrelative to housing 22 by virtue of a short shaft 64 or equivalentmeans. The rearward or head end of each leg rest is semi-circular inplanar contour and is fitted with a semicircular gear track 65 whoseteeth engage a drive sprocket 66 within housing 22 coupled to the driveshaft of a geared speed reducer 67 coupled directly to motor 68 mountedon and carried by lifter arm 63 for movement therewith.

Speed reduction from motor 68 to drive gear 66 is desirably about 40:1and the ratio between drive sprocket 66 and gear 65 is desirably about7:] reduction. By means of the motor drive and gears 65 and 66, each legrest may be rotated outwardly up to degrees each, or 180 degrees forboth. The leg rests may be spread apart either together or separately.Because motor 68 is mounted to move with lifter arm 63, it is operativewhen the leg rests are either horizontal or in some lifted positionbetween 0 and degrees. 1

As best seen in FIGS. 4, 6 and 9, on top of each leg rest 20 and 21 is aleg brace, indicated generally at 70. Since both leg braces are ofsubstantially identical structure, one being the 79 secured to theunderside of slotted bar 76.

The leg brace carriage is guided in its longitudinal movement along theleg rest as follows: As best seen in FIGS. 1, 4 and 8, a vertical fixedbolt 80 extends downwardly through sliding guide means, indicatedgenerally at 82, through slot 81 in slotted bar 76 and through the legrest. Bolt 80 is fitted at its lower end with a nut 84 which engages theunderside of the leg rest. The sliding guide means 82 comprisesgenerally a plate 86 carrying two pairs of rollers 87 on its lower facewhich are journaled for rotation on vertical axes on bolts 88 serving asshafts. The rollers 87 bear against the opposite side edges of bar 76. Apair or rollers 89 are journaled for rotation on horizontal axes onshafts 90 carried in upper plate 86 and bear against the top surface ofslotted bar 76, thereby keeping brace 70 attached to the leg rest as thebrace moves longitudinally. As the leg rests are moved in and out and upand down, the leg brace carriage 70 is moved slightly longitudinallybeing guided by the guide means 82 moving relative to the slotted bar 76to permit the leg to remain fixed in the brace.

When it is desired to exercise the back muscles while maintaining thelegs in place, then the sliding guide means 82 is replaced with alocking means for the leg brace carriage 70, as seen in FIG. 8A. Thelocking means comprises a plate 85 en gaging the top surface of slottedbar 76 and in turn being engaged by bolt 80 which extends through theleg rest. By tightening nut 84, the leg brace carriage may be lockedagainst longitudinal movement. As the back rest is raised and loweredpivoting the body at the hips, the body maintains its proper relation tothe top of the table, the legs being fixed in the leg braces.

Forming part of each leg brace is a foot restraining or shackling meansin the form of a shoe holder. As seen in FIGS. 4, and 9, the shoe holderincludes a heel plate 90 having a pair of spaced apart parallel ears 91to each of which is attached an outwardly extending pivot pin 92. A soleplate, generally cross shaped having a longitudinally extending plate 93and cross plate 94, extends upwardly from and is rigidly secured to theheel plate 90. The shoe holder is adapted to receive a shoe of thepatient, preferably a high laced shoe which is rigidly secured as bybolting or the like. The cars 91 of heel plate 90 are so designed thatthe axis of pivot pins 92 lies generally along the axis of the ankle ofthe patient.

As seen in FIG. 5, each pivot pin 92 fits into a notch 95 in a box-likeholder 96 carried by a tubular sleeve 97 adjustably secured to the sidebar 71 of the leg brace. A clevis-like U- shaped retainer 98 secured toa longitudinal rod 99 and spring loaded by means of coil spring 100serves to retain the pin. A chain or cable 101 permits the patient or anattendant to latch or unlatch the pivot pin. A pair of transversehorizontal upright retainer lips 102 on the upper head and foot ends ofholder 96 retain the shoe holder when it is out of latched operativepivoting position.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the legs ofa U-shaped bar 103 are rigidlysecured to the ends of the cross bar 94 of the sole plate, this barextending generally over the toe portion of the shoe. A ring or eyelet104 is attached to the middle of the bar 103 for attachment of a cableor chain 105 for the purpose of applying pulling force to the shoeholder to rotate it on its pivots 92 to stretch the heel and leg tendonsand muscles, as described in greater detail hereinafter.

Spaced rearwardly from the shoe holder approximately overlying the kneof the patient is a bridge-like structure comprised of a pair of uprightstandards 106 and 107 supported on top of tubular sleeves 108 and 109,respectively, each telescopically embracing one of the side bars 71 ofleg brace 70. The upper end of vertical standard 107 hingedly supportsby means of bolt 110 a pair of parallel horizontal bridge members 111and 112. The opposite ends of cross members 11 1 and 1 12 are joinedtogether by means of bar 1 13 and are detachably secured to the upperend of standard 106 by means of retractable pin 114. Upon retracting pin1 14, the cross members may be pivoted on bolt hinge 110 to move all ofthe structure supported by the bridge superstructure out of the way tofacilitate insertion and removal of the leg.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bridge superstructure carries a kneepress including a sleeve 115 embracing cross members 111 and 112 andcarrying a threaded collar 116 in which a bolt 117 or similar threadedshaft is engaged. An inverted U- shaped pad holder 118 is secured by aswivel joint to the bottom end of bolt 1 17 and fitted with a relativelythick knee pad 119 of sponge rubber, foam plastic, or the like. Byvirtue of rotation of bolt 117, controlled pressure may be exerted uponthe knee so as to stretch the muscles of the calf and thigh associatedwith the knee and thereby straighten the knee. An adjustable andlimiting support for the undersurface of the knee is provided in theform of a platform 120 provided with a resilient pad 121 suspended fromthe bottom surfaces of sleeves 108 and 109 by virtue of bolts 122 orsimilar threaded members. Platform 120 is vertically adjustable byvirtue of threaded sleeves 123 supporting the platform and engagingbolts 122. Platform 120 prevents the knee from being bent beyond itsnormal straight leg position.

The bridge superstructure carries a further longitudinally extendingbracket 124 which embraces cross members 111 and 112 and supports aswivel bracket 125 in which is pivotally mounted a speed reducer 126coupled directly to motor 127. The output from speed reducer 126operates a telescoping screw jack 128 to which is attached engagementmeans 129 (HO. 1) for securing the opposite end of chain or cable 105 tothe shoe holder. By means of operation of motor 127, controlled pressuremay be applied to the shoe holder to pull the foot back, pivotinggenerally about its ankle to apply stretching force to the heel tendonsand back leg muscles.

A longitudinally extending vertical plate 130 (FIGS. 1 and 4) isdesirably provided extending rearwardly from U-shaped member 75 toprovide some support for the thigh of the patient. Foam rubber paddingor the like is desirably applied at all pressure points. Sleeves 97, 108and 109 are movable along side bars 71 so as to provide adjustment forlegs of different lengths. Bolts or equivalent fastening means areprovided to firmly secure the telescopic sleeves at the properlocations. A ring 131 at the end of chain or cable 101 is provided topermit unlatching of the shoe holder. Ring 131 may be hung, for example,over a bolt securing sleeve 74 to side bar 71 within reach of thepatient when in sitting position. For additional safety a pair of seatbelts or other strap means are desirably provided.

Although the means for raising and lowering the back support, forlowering and raising the leg rests, for spreading the leg rests apartand moving them together, and for pulling the foot, are all shown aselectrically driven, this is a matter of convenience and choice.Electric drives permit a patient to operate the device by himself,without the presence of an attendant, and facilitate operation by anattendant. However, manual means, such as manually operated screws, maybe used for these movements. Alternatively, a hydraulic system may beemployed as the power source. This is somewhat less desirable because ofthe greater possibility of danger to the person using the machine due tofaulty operation.

Desirably, for home use, the motors are direct current reversible motorsto permit operation from commercial AC or DC power sources, portable ACor DC generators, or batteries. In the event of operation on AC current,appropriate transformers and rectifiers must be provided. Alternativebattery operation is desirable in the event of power failure while themachine is in use. AC motors may be used in models installed forhospital or similar institutional use since such institutions usuallyhave standby AC power plants. In this event, batteries and rectifierscan be eliminated.

In the case of electrical operation, an appropriate control panel isprovided, either within reach of the patient or for operation by anattendant. Separate off-on push button switches are desirably providedto actuate the motors to move the left leg up, the left leg down, theleft leg out, the left leg in, the back up, the back down, the right legout, the right leg in, the right leg up, the right leg down, to exertforce on the left foot, to release force on the left foot, to exertforce on the right foot and to release force on the right foot.Desirably a master switch is also provided for safety in the event offailure in the circuitry which might make it impossible to shut off anyone of the motors by releasing the on-off push button switches so as toprevent harm to the person using the machine or damage to the machineitself. Desirably limit switches are installed to restrict the area ofoperation of the moving parts of the machine within practicable limitsas set out.

While the device as described and illustrated is for the purpose ofcontrolled exercise through stretching of the muscles of the legs andback, it is apparent that it may be readily adapted to similar treatmentof other extremities. For example, arm engaging braces comparable to theillustrated leg engaging means, can readily be added to providecomparable stretching exercise of the muscles of the arms and shoulders.While the apparatus has been illustrated and described with reference toa patient lying supine upon the table, and the right and left directionsare indicated from this position, the device may also be used with thepatient lying prone upon the table.

In this latter instance, the leg brace carriages 70 are removed andreplaced by knee rests, as illustrated in FIGS. and 11. Each knee restincludes a rigid flat horizontal platform 135 having two pairs of legmembers 136 spaced on opposite sides of leg rest 21 and spacedlongitudinally along that leg rest. A pair of parallel shafts 137 extendbetween the legs on one side of the leg rest to the legs on the otherside. Each shaft 137 is spaced below the under-surface of platform 135and carries a pair of rollers 138 which engage the top surface of legrest 21. A second pair of parallel shafts 139 spaced downwardly from thefirst shafts are carried by the leg members and in turn carry rollers140 which extend transversely beneath the lower surface of leg rest 21.Each leg has a slot 141 in which is journaled a roller 142 on verticalshaft 143. Rollers 142 engage the opposite side edges of leg rest 21. Arigid inside wall member 144 extends vertically from the top of platform135. Platform 135 is padded as by means of foam or sponge rubber 145 andthe vertical wall is similarly padded at 146.

As the patient lies prone with his torso resting upon the back rest 17and his legs on the leg rests and 21 with the knees on the knee rests,the legs may be exercised, both by moving the leg rests in and out aboutthe pivots 64 or up and down about hinge 23. In either case the positionof the knee relative to the leg rest varies slightly as a resultofmovement of the leg rest, the movable knee rest compensates by slidingalong the leg rest. As this is done, the inside of the knee tends to beforced against the inside wall of the knee rest against padding 146. Ifthe forces are unevenly distributed, the lower rollers 140 engaging thebottom surface of the leg rest prevent the knee rest from becomingdisengaged from the leg rests.

The device as described and illustrated was designed and built by theinventor to remedy his own acute condition afflicting the muscles of hislegs and back when all other methods of therapy failed. Through use ofthe device in the course of its experimental development, applicant hasmarkedly and visibly improved his condition. This has been done throughuse of the machine under medical supervision, to (I) stretch the heelcords, (2) to straighten the knee and help stretch the hamstringmuscles, (3) to bend backwards at the hips, (4) to stretch muscles inthe back, 5) to stretch leg muscles by lifting the legs vertically withthe braces on, (6) using the braces with leg lifters down to hold thelegs while doing sit-ups, (7) stretching leg muscles by moving the legshorizontally in and out with the braces on to relieve abnormal walkingconditions, such as scissors gait, (8) simultaneously moving the legshorizontally while lifting them vertically with the braces on, and (9)with the legs disengaged from the leg braces but while still wearing theshoes and their metal holders, lifting the legs so as to build strengthin the stretched muscles, with additional weights being hung from bolts92 of the shoe holders as the leg art devices. Because pressures exertedupon the muscles are not dependent upon weights, the patient can choosethe pressures he can stand and can increase or otherwise vary pressurewhen he feels it necessary or desirable. The patient can leave themovable elements in one fixed position to maintain a constant force onthe muscles or he an alternately apply and relieve pressure. He canoperate the device independently without constant supervision by atherapist or other attendant.

It is apparent that many modifications and variations of this inventionas hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spiritand scope thereof. The specific embodiments described are given by wayof example only and the invention is limited only by the terms of theappended claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A mechanical exercising device comprising:

A. a horizontal platform;

B. a horizontal back support pivotally mounted on said platform forrotation on a transverse horizontal axis through a vertical arc of up toabout 120 degrees;

C. power means operable by the user for operating said back support;

D. at least one flat rigid elongated limb support mounted on saidplatform for pivotal rotation through a vertical arc of up to about 120degrees about a horizontal axis, and for pivotal rotation through an arcof up to about degrees in the plane of the limb support about an axisperpendicular thereto;

E. power means operable by the user for operating said limb supportthrough its pivotal rotation about a horizontal axis; and

F. further power means operable by the user carried by the limb supportfor operating said limb support through its pivotal rotation in theplane of the limb support.

2. A mechanical exercising device comprising:

A. a platform;

B. a back support pivotally mounted on said platform for rotation on atransverse horizontal axis through a vertical arc;

C. power means for operating said back support;

D. at least one limb support mounted on said platform for pivotalrotation through a vertical are about a horizontal axis, and for pivotalrotation through an arc in the plane of the limb support about an axisperpendicular thereto;

E. brace means associated with said limb support for cradling a limbtherein:

F. means associated with said brace means for restraining the extremityof a limb cradled within the brace means;

G press means associated with said brace means for exerting pressingforce against the joint of a limb cradled within the brace means;

H. power means for operating said limb support through its pivotalrotation about a horizontal axis; and

I. further power means carried by the limb support for operating saidlimb support through its pivotal rotation in the plane of the limbsupport.

3. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 2 furthercharacterized in that said brace means comprise:

A. a pair of rigid parallel generally horizontal spaced apart side barssupported by and spaced above said limb sup- P B. generally U-shapedmembers connecting said side bars adjacent their opposite ends;

C. carriage means connecting said U-shaped members for longitudinalmovement along said limb support; and

D. sliding guide means for guiding the longitudinal movement of saidcarriage means relative to the limb support.

4. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 3 furthercharacterized in that:

A. said means for restraining the extremity of a limb in said bracemeans is supported by said side bars adjacent one end of said brace;

B. said press means for exerting force against the joint is supported bysaid side bars spaced from said restraining means; and v C. the supportfor said press means being pivotally mounted to permit movement of thepress means for insertion into and removal of a limb from the bracemeans.

A mechanical exercising device according to claim 4 furthercharacterized in that:

A. said means for restraining a limb extremity is pivotally mounted,

B. said restraining means and press means are movable relative to eachother to accommodate limbs of different lengths, and

C. force applying means mounted on the support for said press means areconnected to said restraining means to apply pivoting force thereto.

6. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 2 furthercharacterized in that said brace means comprise:

A. a pair of rigid parallel generally horizontal spaced apart side barssupported by and spaced above said limb support;

B. generally U-shaped members connecting said side bars adjacent theiropposite ends;

C. carriage means connecting said U-shaped members -for longitudinalmovement along said limb support; and

D. locking means for fixing the longitudinal position of said carriagemeans relative to the limb support.

7. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 2 furthercharacterized in that said limb supports are leg supports and a pair ofsaid supports are mounted on said platform in parallel side-by-siderelation for pivotal rotation through vertical arcs on alignedtransverse horizontal axes parallel and adjacent to the axis of rotationof the back support.

8. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 7 furthercharacterized in that said brace means comprise:

A. a pair of rigid parallel generally horizontal spaced apart side barssupported by and spaced above each of said leg supports;

B. generally U-shaped members connecting said side bars adjacent theiropposite ends;

C. carriage means connecting said U-shaped members for longitudinalmovement together along said leg supports; and

D. sliding guide means for guiding the longitudinal movement of saidcarriage means relative to the leg supports.

9. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 8 furthercharacterized in that:

A. said means for restraining the extremity of a limb in said bracemeans comprises a shoe holder pivotally supported by said side barsadjacent one end of said brace;

B. a knee press is supported by said side bars spaced from said shoeholder; and

C. the support for said knee press is pivotally mounted to permitmovement of the knee press for insertion of a leg into the brace andremoval therefrom.

10. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 7 furthercharacterized in that said brace means comprise:

A. a pair of rigid parallel generally horizontal spaced apart side barssupported by and spaced above each of said leg supports;

B. generally U-shaped members connecting said side bars adjacent theiropposite ends;

C. carriage means connectingsaid U-shaped members for longitudinalmovement together along said leg supports; and

D. locking means for fixing the longitudinal position of said carriagemeans relative to the leg supports.

11. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 9 furthercharacterized in that:

A. said shoe holder is fitted with a shoe rigidly attached and ispivotally mounted for movement about an axis extending generally alongthe axis of the ankle of said shoe; B. the supports for said shoe holderand for said knee press are longitudinally movable relative to eachother along said side bars to accommodate legs of different lengths; and

C. force applying means are mounted on the support for said knee pressand connected to said shoe holder adjacent the toe end thereof to applypivoting force thereto.

12. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 9 furthercharacterized in that:

A. said knee press comprises:

1. a resilient pad,

2. a holder for said pad,

3. force applying means for exerting controlled vertical pressureagainst said holder, and

4. swivel mounting means between said holder and force applying means;and

B. knee support means are provided suspended from said side bars, saidknee support comprising:

1. a transverse horizontal bar underlying said knee press, 2. aresilient pad on said bar, and 3. means for vertically adjusting saidbar.

13. A mechanical exercising device comprising:

A. a platform;

B. a back support pivotally mounted on said platform for rotation on atransverse horizontal axis through a vertical arc;

C. power means for operating said back support;

D. at least one limb support mounted on said platform for pivotalrotation through a vertical are about a horizontal axis, and for pivotalrotation through an arc in the plane of the limb support about an axisperpendicular thereto;

E. power means for operating said limb support through its pivotalrotation about a horizontal axis; and

F. further power means carried by the limb support for operating saidlimb support through its pivotal rotation in the plane of the limbsupport;

G. said power means comprise reversible direct current electric motors;

H. said power means for said back support is connected through speedreducing means to a threaded shaftthreaded sleeve coupling to said backsupport;

. said power means for operating said limb support through its pivotalrotation about a horizontal axis is connected through speed reducingmeans to a threaded shaftthreaded sleeve coupling to said limb support;and

J. said further power means for said limb support is connected throughspeed reducing means to a direct gear coupling to said limb support.

14. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 1 furthercharacterized in that:

A. said limb supports are leg supports and a pair of said supports aremounted on said platform in parallel side-byside relation for pivotalrotation through vertical arcs on aligned transverse horizontal axesparallel and adjacent to the axis of rotation of the back support; and

B. a longitudinally movable knee rest is mounted on each of said legsupports.

15. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 14 furthercharacterized in that said knee rest comprises:

A. a flat horizontally extending knee supporting platform;

B. transversely extending roller means supporting said platform formovement on said leg support;

C. guide means engaging the side edges of said leg support;

and

D. further means engaging said leg support for retaining said knee restthereon.

ggyggi UNITED STATE PATENT @FFECE CEllFlQA'lE r cotton Patent No536612149 D d May 9, 1972 Inventor) Charles A. Ferries It is certifiedthat error appears in the above-identified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 74, after "the", insert:

--mirror image of the other, only one is described in detail.

The leg brace 70 is a rigid but longitudinally adjustable frameincluding a pair of parallel longitudinal and generally horizontal sidebars 71, each rigidly secured at the foot end to a generally verticalleg member 72 rigidly secured to opposite ends of a transversehorizontal cross piece 73. The opposite ends of side members 71 areembraced telescopically within spaced apart parallel tubular members 74rigidly connected to the upper ends of the arms of a rigid U-shapedstrap 75. The bottoms of cross bar 73 and strap member 75 are rigidlyconnected by means of a longitudinally extending slotted bar 76 to forma trough-like leg receiving unit This unit is rendered into alongitudinally movable carriage by virtue of two pairs of rollers 77supported on a common shaft 78 carried in a block-- Signed and sealedthis 19th day of September 1972,

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD MQFLETCHERJRQ Attesting Officer ROBERT GOTT$CHALK Commissioner ofPatents

1. A mechanical exercising device comprising: A. a horizontal platform;B. a horizontal back support pivotally mounted on said platform forrotation on a transvErse horizontal axis through a vertical arc of up toabout 120 degrees; C. power means operable by the user for operatingsaid back support; D. at least one flat rigid elongated limb supportmounted on said platform for pivotal rotation through a vertical arc ofup to about 120 degrees about a horizontal axis, and for pivotalrotation through an arc of up to about 90 degrees in the plane of thelimb support about an axis perpendicular thereto; E. power meansoperable by the user for operating said limb support through its pivotalrotation about a horizontal axis; and F. further power means operable bythe user carried by the limb support for operating said limb supportthrough its pivotal rotation in the plane of the limb support.
 2. Amechanical exercising device comprising: A. a platform; B. a backsupport pivotally mounted on said platform for rotation on a transversehorizontal axis through a vertical arc; C. power means for operatingsaid back support; D. at least one limb support mounted on said platformfor pivotal rotation through a vertical arc about a horizontal axis, andfor pivotal rotation through an arc in the plane of the limb supportabout an axis perpendicular thereto; E. brace means associated with saidlimb support for cradling a limb therein: F. means associated with saidbrace means for restraining the extremity of a limb cradled within thebrace means; G press means associated with said brace means for exertingpressing force against the joint of a limb cradled within the bracemeans; H. power means for operating said limb support through itspivotal rotation about a horizontal axis; and I. further power meanscarried by the limb support for operating said limb support through itspivotal rotation in the plane of the limb support.
 2. a resilient pad onsaid bar, and
 2. a holder for said pad,
 3. force applying means forexerting controlled vertical pressure against said holder, and
 3. meansfor vertically adjusting said bar.
 3. A mechanical exercising deviceaccording to claim 2 further characterized in that said brace meanscomprise: A. a pair of rigid parallel generally horizontal spaced apartside bars supported by and spaced above said limb support; B. generallyU-shaped members connecting said side bars adjacent their opposite ends;C. carriage means connecting said U-shaped members for longitudinalmovement along said limb support; and D. sliding guide means for guidingthe longitudinal movement of said carriage means relative to the limbsupport.
 4. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 3 furthercharacterized in that: A. said means for restraining the extremity of alimb in said brace means is supported by said side bars adjacent one endof said brace; B. said press means for exerting force against the jointis supported by said side bars spaced from said restraining means; andC. the support for said press means being pivotally mounted to permitmovement of the press means for insertion into and removal of a limbfrom the brace means.
 4. swivel mounting means between said holder andforce applying means; and B. knee support means are provided suspendedfrom said side bars, said knee support comprising:
 5. A mechanicalexercising device according to claim 4 further characterized in that: A.said means for restraining a limb extremity is pivotally mounted, B.said restraining means and press means are movable relative to eachother to accommodate limbs of different lengths, and C. force applyingmeans mounted on the support for said press means are connected to saidrestraining means to apply pivoting force thereto.
 6. A mechanicalexercising device according to claim 2 further characterized in thatsaid brace means comprise: A. a pair of rigid parallel generallyhorizontal spaced apart side bars supported by and spaced above saidlimb support; B. generally U-shaped members connecting said side barsadjacent their opposite ends; C. carriage means connecting said U-shapedmembers for longitudinal movement along said limb support; and D.locking means for fixing the longitudinal position of said carriagemeans relative to the limb support.
 7. A mechanical Exercising deviceaccording to claim 2 further characterized in that said limb supportsare leg supports and a pair of said supports are mounted on saidplatform in parallel side-by-side relation for pivotal rotation throughvertical arcs on aligned transverse horizontal axes parallel andadjacent to the axis of rotation of the back support.
 8. A mechanicalexercising device according to claim 7 further characterized in thatsaid brace means comprise: A. a pair of rigid parallel generallyhorizontal spaced apart side bars supported by and spaced above each ofsaid leg supports; B. generally U-shaped members connecting said sidebars adjacent their opposite ends; C. carriage means connecting saidU-shaped members for longitudinal movement together along said legsupports; and D. sliding guide means for guiding the longitudinalmovement of said carriage means relative to the leg supports.
 9. Amechanical exercising device according to claim 8 further characterizedin that: A. said means for restraining the extremity of a limb in saidbrace means comprises a shoe holder pivotally supported by said sidebars adjacent one end of said brace; B. a knee press is supported bysaid side bars spaced from said shoe holder; and C. the support for saidknee press is pivotally mounted to permit movement of the knee press forinsertion of a leg into the brace and removal therefrom.
 10. Amechanical exercising device according to claim 7 further characterizedin that said brace means comprise: A. a pair of rigid parallel generallyhorizontal spaced apart side bars supported by and spaced above each ofsaid leg supports; B. generally U-shaped members connecting said sidebars adjacent their opposite ends; C. carriage means connecting saidU-shaped members for longitudinal movement together along said legsupports; and D. locking means for fixing the longitudinal position ofsaid carriage means relative to the leg supports.
 11. A mechanicalexercising device according to claim 9 further characterized in that: A.said shoe holder is fitted with a shoe rigidly attached and is pivotallymounted for movement about an axis extending generally along the axis ofthe ankle of said shoe; B. the supports for said shoe holder and forsaid knee press are longitudinally movable relative to each other alongsaid side bars to accommodate legs of different lengths; and C. forceapplying means are mounted on the support for said knee press andconnected to said shoe holder adjacent the toe end thereof to applypivoting force thereto.
 12. A mechanical exercising device according toclaim 9 further characterized in that: A. said knee press comprises: 13.A mechanical exercising device comprising: A. a platform; B. a backsupport pivotally mounted on said platform for rotation on a transversehorizontal axis through a vertical arc; C. power means for operatingsaid back support; D. at least one limb support mounted on said platformfor pivotal rotation through a vertical arc about a horizontal axis, andfor pivotal rotation through an arc in the plane of the limb supportabout an axis perpendicular thereto; E. power means for operating saidlimb support through its pivotal rotation about a horizontal axis; andF. further power means carried by the limb support for operating saidlimb support through its pivotal rotation in the plane of the limbsupport; G. said power means comprise reversible direct current electricmotors; H. said power means for said back support is connected throughspeed reducing means to a threaded shaft-threaded sleeve coupling tosaid back support; I. said power means for operating said limb supportthrough its pivotal rotation about a horizontal axis is connectedthrough speed reducing means to a threaded shaft-threaded sleevecoupling to said limb support; and J. said further power means for saidlimb support is connected through speed reducing means to a direct gearcoupling to said limb support.
 14. A mechanical exercising deviceaccording to claim 1 further characterized in that: A. said limbsupports are leg supports and a pair of said supports are mounted onsaid platform in parallel side-by-side relation for pivotal rotationthrough vertical arcs on aligned transverse horizontal axes parallel andadjacent to the axis of rotation of the back support; and B. alongitudinally movable knee rest is mounted on each of said legsupports.
 15. A mechanical exercising device according to claim 14further characterized in that said knee rest comprises: A. a flathorizontally extending knee supporting platform; B. transverselyextending roller means supporting said platform for movement on said legsupport; C. guide means engaging the side edges of said leg support; andD. further means engaging said leg support for retaining said knee restthereon.